A Wiltshire Police officer has been found guilty of common assault in a recent court ruling in London.
PC Lee Prince, as a firearms officer, faced charges for assaulting a 17-year-old youth outside Liquor World in White Beam Court, Swindon in an incident on 17th April last year.
The assault unfolded after PC Prince arrived at the scene following the arrest of a teenager suspected of criminal damage.
According to witness statements presented at the City of London Court, PC Prince, who has since been suspended from his duties, displayed verbal aggression towards the teenager and proceeded to physically strike him on two occasions.
In response to the ruling, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Cooper reiterated the force’s commitment to accountability and public trust. He stressed the importance of maintaining unwavering standards of professionalism within the police force, saying “The public rightly expect the highest standards of behaviour from our officers – and where it is found that they have fallen short it is absolutely right that they are held to account.
“It is vital that as an organisation Wiltshire Police continue to rebuild the trust and confidence of the public and in doing so we must show that we will not hesitate to apply the law – without fear or favour.”
PC Prince is scheduled for sentencing on the 16th of April.
